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BY C.Y. PETERS

Star Correspondent

BLOUNTVILLE – The third time was the charm for the Unaka Lady Rangers as they delivered a stellar performance, defeating the Cloudland Lady Highlanders 53-43 to advance to the district championship game on Monday.

Senior Miss Ranger Lauren Lund played a crucial role, shooting Unaka to victory, while junior standout Michelle Shields also shined on the court. The duo combined for 37 of Unaka’s 53 points, with Shields scoring 21 and Lund adding 16. Shields was clutch from the free-throw line, hitting 90% (9 of 10) of her attempts.

Kalli Shepard and Keyona Hague dominated the boards, while Brooklyn Campbell and Katlyn Dugger applied relentless defensive pressure, forcing key Cloudland turnovers.

The Rangers struck first when Shields drained a 3-pointer, but Cloudland’s Makenzie Street quickly answered with a three of her own after a two-minute offensive sequence. The first quarter saw multiple lead changes, with Regan Blair briefly putting Cloudland ahead 10-9 before Dugger responded to give Unaka an 11-10 advantage. However, the Lady Highlanders had the final say in the period, closing with a basket to lead 13-11 after one.

The momentum shifted early in the second quarter as back-to-back Cloudland turnovers gave Unaka an opportunity to seize control. Shields tied the game at 13, then delivered consecutive assists—one to Dugger and another to Campbell—pushing the Rangers ahead 17-13. From that point on, Unaka never trailed, extending its lead to as much as 11 points. By halftime, the Lady Rangers held a 32-25 advantage.

Makinna Shell led Cloudland’s scoring effort with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Unaka’s well-rounded attack.

“They played well, and I’m proud of them,” Unaka head coach Kenneth Chambers said. “Lund stepped up and hit some big baskets, and we got some crucial rebounds.”

Shields spoke about the team’s determination and chemistry.

“Coming into the game tonight, we were looked at as the underdog, but we all knew we were more than capable of advancing to the championship,” Shields said. “Coach Chambers did a great job preparing us and working on some of our flaws, which allowed us all to play more confidently.

“Lauren Lund, our only senior, really led us tonight and hit some huge shots that kept us going. Keyona Hague is a huge piece for us, and without her getting rebounds, we wouldn’t have even been in the game. Kalli Sheppard has a different role almost every game, but I know we can always count on her to be there and keep us going.

“The team is also very proud of Brooklyn Campbell and Ari Sutherland—they’re only freshmen but have really stepped up and played like upperclassmen. Katlyn Dugger has been the glue to our team; she does a lot of the dirty work but hasn’t complained once about it.

“Coach Dorsey, Coach Emily, and Coach Carver have kept us positive throughout the highs and lows of the season, and I know we couldn’t win without their support.

“What’s so special about us is that no matter the outcome of the game, everyone has each other’s backs. Our team has been the dark horse since day one, but we love proving people wrong.”

With this victory, Unaka advances to the district championship game against North Greene, while Cloudland will face University High in the consolation game. Not since 2005 have both the Unaka boys and girls played in the district title games together.

Unaka 11 21 13 12 – 53
Cloudland 13 12 10 8 – 43

Unaka: Lund 16, Shields 21, Campbell 5, Dugger 2, Shepard 7, Hague 2.
Cloudland: McCurry 9, Blair 9, Street 6, Shell 13, Jones 6.